Election Endorsements
A look at state newspapers' endorsements
Here are endorsements from The Columbian and major state newspapers regarding governor, senator, president and statewide initiatives. For complete editorials, visit the newspapers' websites. For Columbian endorsements: http://www.columbian.com/opinion.
A look at major newspapers' endorsements around state
Here are endorsements from The Columbian and major Washington state newspapers regarding president, governor and statewide initiatives. For complete editorials, visit the papers' websites. For The Columbian, go to http://www.columbian.com/opinion.
A look at major newspapers' endorsements
Here are endorsements from The Columbian and major Washington state newspapers regarding president, governor and statewide initiatives. For complete editorials, visit the papers' websites. For The Columbian, go to http://www.columbian.com/opinion.
Endorsement roundup
Clark County voters have a history of big turnouts for presidential elections
Voter turnout is a popular topic, especially among political party leaders. Many experts say the presidential race will be decided by which party wins the turnout race. But in terms of local pride, it's documented that Washingtonians and especially Clark County voters answer the call in presidential elections. In 2008, state leaders were ecstatic when 84.6 percent of voters participated, breaking a 64-year-old record. In Clark County, it was even higher: 85.3 percent. In 2004, our local turnout (82.9 percent) also beat the statewide turnout (82.2 percent).
U.S. Senate: Maria Cantwell
Senator has strong record of helping Southwest Washington
After 12 years in the U.S. Senate, Washington Democrat Maria Cantwell has the power of incumbency, proven success in issues critical to the Northwest, ample fundraising energy and polls superiority working in her favor. That's making the fall campaign mighty daunting for Michael Baumgartner, a well-prepared, articulate and exceptionally bright state senator with a promising future in politics.Against a lesser foe, Baumgartner would be a frontrunner. The Spokane Republican showed such a strength in 2010 when he defeated Democrat state Majority Whip Chris Marr in the most expensive legislative race in state history.
President of the United States: Mitt Romney
Repairing economy, cutting spending requires laser focus on business world
The greatness implanted in America's founding and manifested for more than two centuries cannot be restored until two goals are met: The U.S. economy must be repaired, and government spending must be brought under control. Each mission depends on the other.Directing those pursuits requires a president with a profound comprehension of business, the economy and job creation. This insight is most often acquired through long experience and success in the private sector. The Columbian endorses Mitt Romney for president, accompanied by our usual reminder that endorsements are opinions, nothing more, designed to stimulate discussion. The Columbian believes voters are perfectly capable of making up their own minds.
Secretary of state: Wyman; State auditor: Watkins; Insurance commissioner: Kreidler
Wyman, Watkins, Kreidler are top choices for administrative posts
Almost 12 years ago, Kim Wyman replaced Sam Reed as Thurston County auditor, whose chief duty is managing elections. Wyman is our choice to replace Reed in 2012 as Washington secretary of state, the office that manages elections at the state level.Two good candidates have emerged in this race. Democrat Kathleen Drew has served as a state senator, then as a policy advisor to Gov. Chris Gregoire for six years, when she carved out a commendable record of accomplishment in ethics policies, budget matters and election-related issues.
Attorney general: Dunn; Land commissioner: Goldmark; Lieutenant governor: Finkbeiner; Treasurer: McIntire
Our choices for attorney general, land commissioner, lieutenant governor, treasurer
Relatively young lawyer. Rising rapidly in his political party, with a promising future, yet fairly independent in his views. Currently serving as King County councilor after defeating an incumbent. Interestingly, each of those qualities defines the two candidates for Washington attorney general: Republican Reagan Dunn and Democrat Bob Ferguson. Here's another similarity: Each is an excellent candidate for statewide office.The Columbian's endorsement goes to Dunn, son of the late Republican Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, largely because of his advantage in experience, especially as a prosecutor at the federal level. Ferguson also has a glowing legal background, though not as extensive as Dunn's.
3rd Congressional District: Jaime Herrera Beutler
Zeal for reducing spending impresses voters
Jaime Herrera Beutler understands the Constitution's Article 1, Section 7: "All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives." As a member of that body, she believes the most important step Congress must take is to stop government overspending.That belief is the first of many reasons The Columbian made the Camas Republican our sole endorsement for this post in the Aug. 7 primary. Our opinion has not changed for the Nov. 6 election.
Washington governor: McKenna
His record as attorney general is stronger than Inslee's work as congressman
For eight years as Washington attorney general, Rob McKenna has worked closely with the Legislature and Gov. Chris Gregoire, acquiring a vast knowledge of how both branches of state government can succeed even during the worst economic times. Occasionally, he disagreed with lawmakers as well as Gregoire, demonstrating an independent streak, but he has never wavered in his pursuit of open government principles, unflagging fortitude against domestic violence and protection of consumers.That background elevates McKenna to the top choice for governor. The Columbian's endorsement is based also on McKenna's deep awareness of issues important to Clark County, acquired through many visits here.
Charter Schools: Yes
Initiative 1240 has plenty of protections for traditional educational system
Considering that -- as stated in the state constitution, and as affirmed by the state Supreme Court -- basic public education is the state's paramount duty, it is time for the people of Washington to approve the establishment of charter schools. It is time for Washingtonians to vote yes on Initiative 1240 on Nov. 6.Unlike some supporters of the measure, we aren't going to pretend that charter schools are a panacea for public education. There are valid reasons for not supporting the ballot measure -- namely, that it won't cure all of our schools' ills. But the positives that would be brought about by passage of I-1240 outweigh the negatives, and the structure of the initiative goes to great lengths to enhance the strengths of charter schools while minimizing the drawbacks.
Clark County commissioner: Boldt and Tanner
Two county-commissioner races offer clear choices to voters
Two skills essential for a successful county commissioner are a willingness to listen to innovative solutions (even when they come from members of the other political party) and a meticulous understanding of how counties and the Legislature can succeed as partners.Marc Boldt and Joe Tanner have mastered both skills. Each served in the Legislature years ago and each is adept at striking productive agreements, even across party lines. Boldt and Tanner have drawn The Columbian's endorsement for the two county commissioner races in the Nov. 6 election. (Ballots will be mailed on Oct. 15.)
49th District: Cleveland, Wylie, Moeller
draw endorsements
No verdicts were rendered during the Aug. 7 primary in the 49th Legislative District because each of the three races had just two candidates. All advanced to the Nov. 6 election. But just because there were no decisions doesn't mean there were no clues.Across the board, each Democrat received about 56 percent of the primary votes. No surprise in the liberal-leaning district that includes Vancouver west of Interstate 205 and south of Felida. Primary voters favored newcomer Annette Cleveland for state senator and incumbents Sharon Wylie and Jim Moeller for state representatives, although those primary results have no impact on the upcoming election.
18th District: Rivers, Cortes & Pike
Solid conservative credentials are compelling in red-leaning district
How Republican is Clark County's 18th Legislative District? Here are some clues:The 18th's candidate for state senator, Ann Rivers, is making her first bid for that chamber, yet she received a higher percentage of votes in the Aug. 7 primary than any other legislative candidate in the three districts contained solely within Clark County. Her Democratic opponent, Ralph Schmidt, doesn't expect to win and says the only reason he's running is to try to suck a few GOP dollars into the race.
17th District: Probst, Harris, Stonier
Heated battle, qualified candidates make this an interesting district
Nestled between the red 18th and the blue 49th is Clark County's 17th Legislative District, the only one of the three with legislators from both political parties. Competition is fierce in this slightly conservative but unpredictable swing district. Nowhere is this struggle more evident than in Don Benton's race to hold on to his state senator's job. The strong Republican is locked in a bitter battle with moderate Democrat Tim Probst, a state representative who's seeking to dethrone the incumbent conservative kingpin.The Columbian endorses Probst because of his poised approach, intense work ethic and his superior record of legislative and civic contributions, especially in job creation. For state representatives, we admire the qualities of all four candidates. Our recommendations are to advance Republican Paul Harris from solid rookie to skilled sophomore, and to elect gregarious and detail-oriented Democrat Monica Stonier to her first term.
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